Abstract

GARAMENDI GONZALEZ, P.M.  and  SANCHEZ DE LEON ROBLES, M.S.. Mortality associated with atmospheric pollution by SO₂: A medical legal case of autopsy after an episode of atmospheric pollution. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2003, n.33, pp.43-56. ISSN 1988-611X.

We present a case report on a sudden pulmonary death in an asthmatic subject exposed to sulphur dioxide air pollution. We present the results of histopathological and toxicological investigations and those of the epidemiological survey on the general population exposed to a sulphur dioxide pollution episode. Air concentrations of sulphur dioxide during the pollution episode are summarised. We also developed a short bibliographic review on sudden death associated with sulphur dioxide pollution. Finally, we analyse causality criteria about the relationship between sudden death in this case and the sulphur dioxide exposure episode and we point out some possible misinterpretation factors related to forensic evaluation of the episode and its relation with sudden death.

Keywords : sulfur dioxide; SO₂; air pollution; asthma; chronic bronchitis; elderly; mortality.

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